The rare phobia that makes Christmas dinner a nightmare for sufferers | UK | News
For many people, Christmas dinner is mostly a moment of joy, laughter and indulgence. But for people living with misophonia, holidays can be a source of intense stress and discomfort, especially when they involve spending long hours at the dinner table.
Misophonia is a condition in which certain everyday sounds, usually made by people eating, drinking or moving, trigger strong emotional reactions such as anger, panic or disgust. A 2023 study conducted by researchers from King’s College London and the University of Oxford found that almost one in five people in the UK experience misophonia to a level that significantly affects their daily lives.
The research also revealed a striking fact: Most patients have never heard of this condition, and many of them have to cope with loneliness.
Lead author of the study from King’s College London, Dr. Silia Vitoratou said: “Only 14% of those considered highly affected by miphonia had heard the term before.”
Misophonia is not limited to age, gender or cultural background; but it often develops in the early teenage years.
Lottie Doyle, 23, has been living with this condition since she was 16.
While she looks forward to seeing and spending time with her family this Christmas, she knows the only way to survive the holiday meal is with a pair of earplugs.
“I get this sudden feeling of panic, my whole body tenses up and it feels like I’m in danger and I have to somehow control these sounds,” he told the BBC.
She added: “There are so many different trigger noises at Christmas and they can cause anxiety and scare you.
“My family is understanding, but I’m very conscious of not wanting to bother others. It’s a really big battle, like sacrificing my own sanity to make sure everyone is happy.”
Misophonia is not directly life-threatening but can affect mental health, relationships and general well-being. Severe cases can cause strong emotional and physical reactions that are difficult to control, including fight-or-flight responses. Cleveland Clinic.
Although there is no formal cure, therapies that target related conditions such as anxiety or obsessive-compulsive traits can help patients manage symptoms.
Experts believe misophonia may be linked to differences in brain structure and increased neural responses to sound. Genetics, other neurological conditions, and hearing-related problems may also play a role.
Although this disorder can feel isolating, research shows that those who experience it are not alone. Awareness and understanding from family and friends, along with practical coping strategies, can make social events such as Christmas much more manageable.
